This predicament arises following the securing of a new three-year contract by another Hornets forward, P.J. Washington, amounting to an estimated $48 million or more.
In the wake of a standout season with the struggling Charlotte Hornets, skilled versatile forward Kelly Oubre Jr. appears to be facing uncertain prospects within the team’s financial structure
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers currently have a pair of vacant positions on their standard 15-man roster. While initial reports indicated the team’s intention to enlist an experienced center for one of these openings, recent speculations suggest a potential shift in strategy. The focus might now turn towards adding a dynamic 27-year-old wing player in his prime, despite his not being a consistently accurate long-range shooter. Renowned for his proficiency in both offense and defense, especially in the midrange and paint, Kelly Oubre Jr. showcased his skills in the previous season, posting impressive statistics.
Throughout 48 games last year, Kelly Oubre Jr., who unfortunately had to end his season prematurely due to a hand injury necessitating surgery in January, maintained an average of 20.3 points on shooting splits of .431/.319/.760, along with 5.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 assists. Considering the Charlotte Hornets‘ struggle as the 14th seed in the East with a 27-55 record, Oubre’s noteworthy scoring contributions remained significant. This prompts speculation about his potential impact with the LA Lakers.
Kelly Oubre Jr.’s remarkable 6’7″ stature, his college background at Kansas, and his notable athleticism add to his appeal
Kelly Oubre Jr. could serve as a valuable backup for LA’s standout player, LeBron James, in the small forward position, as well as a potential starter alongside Rui Hachimura in power forward. While consistent three-point shooting might not be his forte, Kelly Oubre Jr.’s proficiency in scoring and defense makes him an intriguing prospect. Particularly enticing is the possibility of securing his services at a reduced rate, potentially through a veteran’s minimum signing, if his market value has taken an unexpected hit.
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